"A testament to the courage of a woman who has overcome a serious disability to lead a normal life. I hope all teachers and parents of autistic people will read and understand this book."

--William Christopher, actor, Father Mulcahy in TV's MASH and father of an autistic child

"[A] remarkable story....uniquely valuable in helping us see Autism from the 'inside.'"

--Lorna Jean King, OTR, FAOTA, Center for Neuro-Developmental Studies, Phoenix

"This is the story of a frightening journey which provides the reader with a firsthand account of the sense of isolation, hopelessness, and anxiety suffered by Autistics and their families."

--Del Morrison, Ph.D., Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Clinic

Time Warner Bookmark Web Site, February, 2002

She lived in a world like no other...

She longed for affection but feared human contact. Unable to experience reality as other children could, Temple Grandin was quick to anger, easily overstimulated, and isolated. Facing ceaseless waves of terrifying nerve attacks, she was a child heading into a dark abyss of autism. But within her lonely world, Temple's creativity, intelligence, and yearning for emergence refused to die.

Now Temple tells the story of that Emergence, of how she went from a fear-gripped, autistic childhood to become a successful professional, a world leader in her field. An astonishing true story, a chronicle of perseverance, courage, and the loving wisdom of a few adults who saw in Temple what others couldn't, Emergence will give new hope and new insight into the tragedy of autism and the vast potential of the human spirit.

I stood at one of the windows and watched the moon rise up behind the mountain range to meet the stars. A feeling of relief flooded me. For the first time in months I felt safe in the present and hope in the future. A feeling of love and joy enveloped me. I'd found it! The door to my Heaven. Thoughts that had blown through my mind randomly now seemed significant. I'd found it! A visual symbol. All I had to do was walk through the door.

That night I wrote in my diary: "When I look out the windows of the Crow's Nest, I feel something more....I must conquer my fears and not let them block my way."